Where to get a rain barrel

Rain barrels can be purchased from your local hardware or garden store. In fact, many cities have programs with subsidies, so check out your city's website. You can also make your own or search the classifieds, in print or online!

It's a worthy investment. They can cost over $250, depending on the size and manufacturer. Price also depends on the added bells and whistles, such as filtering systems, spigots and mosquito-proofing measures. But before you buy, check to see if your city offers a subsidy or distributes rain barrels to residents.

Did you know that more than 40 per cent of residential treated drinking water is used to water lawns and gardens? Collect rain water on your property to reduce the waste of potable water, especially during the drier summer months.